Fatima Sana vs Aliya Riaz Rift (Source: @arshdeep3444/x.com, @Shailu_15Jul/x.com)
Struggles in ICC tournaments seem to follow Pakistan cricket across both the men’s and women’s teams over the years. But the woes are not limited to the 22 yards, as the Pakistan Women’s captain, Fatima Sana, showcased displeasure with a teammate’s behaviour.
The tournament is on its half way, but the Women in Green are yet to register their first victory. Amid this, Sana reportedly objected to Aliya Riaz’s husband staying with the player at the team room.
Captain Fatima Sana raises questions over Aliya Riaz’s behaviour
The prestigious Women’s T20 World Cup has returned with yet another season, and fans across the globe are soaking in the thrills every day. As the teams are on a mission to lift the trophy, Pakistan Women's side has been struggling since their inaugural match. Even after four matches, their quest for the first victory is still on.
Their horrific form has already sparked buzz across the cricket world, and a reported rift within the Pakistan camp made the situation worse. With the team currently in England, tensions reportedly escalated after senior player Aliya Riaz husband stayed with her at the team hotel.
As per the report, Captain Fatima Sana objected to this matter, and things took a worse turn. Adding to that, Aliya was also accused of spending time with her husband ahead of the Bangladesh game despite a scheduled team practice that day.
“It was on Sana's insistence that Ali Younis was asked to vacate the room. Then, on the day before the game against Bangladesh, Aliya and her husband went out for sightseeing when there was a team practice scheduled,” the report suggested.
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Fatima Sana fires back at Wahab Riaz over team selection
With every match, Pakistan’s troubles continue to deepen, with their crushing 113-run defeat to Australia Women adding more pressure. As the world questioned their selection strategy, the report suggested a huge disagreement emerged between mentor Wahab Riaz and captain Fatima Sana.
The reports indicated Sana wanted to drop Aliya Riaz for the Bangladesh game, but Wahab backed her inclusion in the playing XI. After Aliya failed to make an impact, captain Sana reportedly criticised the Pakistan great in the dressing room and held him responsible for the defeat.
Just not in the match against Bangladesh Women, Riaz was on the playing XI even in their last match against Australia. However, her struggle remained the same as she walked away, scoring only seven runs in 11 deliveries.
New tournament, but same old Pakistan problems
Over the last few years, Pakistan have entered every ICC tournament with hopes of a successful campaign, only to end up facing another nightmare across both the men’s and women’s teams.
Adding to the on-field struggles, the dressing room rifts, disagreements, and even strained relationships have worsened the situation.
In the ongoing Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, they started their journey with a 64-run defeat against their arch-rivals, India. With time, the woes deepened as they failed to bounce back. While facing Australia Women, they hit a new low.
After the Aussie Women put on a strong total of 199 runs, they ended their innings in just 86 runs and faced a horrific defeat.
While other teams continue to calculate semifinal scenarios, Pakistan have already been knocked out and will now face the Netherlands Women in their final game, hoping to end their campaign with a win.
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